Nigerian goats originated from West Africa and were brought to the United States in the 1970s. They were initially used in zoos as companion animals for larger exotic species. Over time, they gained popularity among small farmers and homesteaders for their manageable size and high-quality milk production.

Nigerian goats are known for their small size, friendly temperament, wide range of cat colors, and high-quality milk production. They are a popular choice for small farms and homesteads due to their manageable size and excellent milk yield.

Some people raise Nigerians with other livestock, but, at least for our farm we have found that it is best to raise them separately. We have tried raising them with pigs, a cow, and chickens, and it hasn't worked very well. The pigs would always dump the goats water buckets out, the cow would too and also wasn't nice to the goats, and the goats could always find a way to get into the chicken feed.

Nigerian goats typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years when properly cared for. Factors such as diet, healthcare, and living conditions can influence their longevity.

Nigerian goats typically need to be milked twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Regular milking helps maintain their milk production and ensures their health and comfort.

Raising Nigerian goats offers several benefits, including their small size, which makes them easy to handle and suitable for small farms. They are also known for their high-quality milk production, friendly temperament, and ability to adapt to various climates.

During the winter months, we provide our goats with unsprayed hay to ensure they receive natural and pesticide-free nutrition. When the pasture is growing, we implement frequent pasture rotation to give the goats access to fresh forage, which also helps maintain healthy pastures. We do not feed grain to our buck, kids, or non-milking does, as they do well on a pasture-based diet. For our milking does, we supplement their diet with organic grain to meet their higher nutritional needs during lactation.

For their minerals, we use kelp, which is rich in essential vitamins and minerals that promote overall health and vitality. Additionally, we provide them with Redmond loose garlic salt, which not only supplies necessary salt but also offers the added benefits of garlic for their immune system. You can explore more about the benefits of kelp for your farm animals in our blog post, "Kelp for Your Farm."